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To preserve, clarify through research and to
perpetuate the history of Eagle Rock Valley

To make this history available to students,
researchers, libraries and all interested persons

To preserve and protect our local landmarks,
especially the Eagle Rock

Dear Members and Friends of the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society
We have just been informed by our speaker for our Tuesday night February 17 meeting that she has the flu and will be unable to appear. We must therefore cancel our public meeting. We will reschedule this exciting program for another occasion to be announced. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

EAGLE ROCK'S NAME:

The date and origin
of the name
Eagle Rock for the large conglomerate formation which names our
community and the preceding City of Eagle Rock (1911-1923) is unknown.
The term seems to be associated with the coming of English speakers to
the valley around 1886 when the land was dispersed out of the Rancho
San Rafael. The Spanish speakers before this referred to the rock as
Piedra Gorda (fat rock).

The association of the term Eagle Rock with the native people of the
area (formerly known as Gabrielino now known as Tongva) was asserted by
many of the early historians of the valley, most prominently Emma (Mrs.
C. W.) Young. The phrasing of these legends together with the lack of
actual communication with or knowledge of the native people makes these
associations quite doubtful in my view. As far as I know no one has
asked the Tongva their view or whether such a legend exists in their
oral tradition. This said, below is a version of the legend which was
published around 1970 on the back of note cards sold by the Eagle Rock
High School Jazz Band.

“Indian Legend – An Indian baby lay on a
skin. An
Eagle swooped, clutched the babe and flew eastward. The
Indians
in chase, called to the Sun, “Let him crush himself against
the
Rock and turn to stone upon it.” ‘Twas
done, the
infant lay unhurt below.”

“Few landmarks in the United States bear both national
emblems-George Washington in profile – the Eagle, front
view.”

Some say that the overhang forming the right wing of the spread eagle
shadow has been eroded over the years. The photographic
evidence,
beginning in 1888 is quite inconclusive. Many of the photographs have
been retouched to enhance the eagle shadow.